Cleburne County AlArchives News.....Newspaper abstracts for AUGUST 1918 August 1918 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/al/alfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Candace Gravelle tealtree@comcast.net April 25, 2005, 12:10 am The Cleburne News August 1918 NEWSPAPER ABSTRACTS FROM "THE CLEBURNE NEWS", Heflin, Cleburne County, Alabama for AUGUST 1918 NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, August 1, 1918 LOCAL News Mrs. Carl Rowe and little son Carlton left Friday for their home in Birmingham after a weeks visit with Mr. and Mrs. C.F. Dodson. __ Mrs. P.H. Ricker of Blythe, Georgia is the guest of her mother Mrs. C.W. Griffin this week. ____ FOR SALE 80 acre farm and 30 acres in cultivation, balance timber, also one half interest in Saw Mill and Shingle Mill. J.T. Weathers, Hopewell, Ala. Rt. 1 ____ Mr. and Mrs. Robt. Spear of Birmingham are the guests of Mr. and Mrs. C.C. Jenkins. __ Miss Addie Lou Griffin has accepted a position with Wright and Turner as a telephone operator. __ Ross Moore left Saturday for Newport News, Virginia to report for Army duties. __ NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, August 8, 1918 24 MEN LEFT FOR CAMP SHELBY The following men left for Camp Shelby, Hattiesburg, Mississippi to go into military training: James Walter Smith Ruben F. Sanford John D. Laminack Miles W. Perry M. Oneal Wade John A. Apner Newman J. Clayton Neal H. Tolleson Lee Bryant E. Floyd Waters John Bell Jesse F. Dryden James B. Boyles Cecil C. Bean E. Aaron Beck Charlie C. Rooks J.T. Payne Matthew Taylor Wm. B. Johnson Henry L. Deese Carl Howle J.H. Sizemore Simon Bell ____ LOCAL News Misses Pearle Merrill and Ruby Baxter who are in training at St. Luke's hospital in Anniston spent Monday afternoon here. __ Mrs. W.H. Ector of Shawmut, Ala., is the guest of Mr. and Mrs. A.J. Haley this week. __ Mrs. A.A. Dean and daughter Miss Laudiselle of Stanford, Texas are the guests of Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Barnes this week. __ NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, August 15, 1918 LOCAL News Below is given letters written to Mrs. Victoria Smith, mother of Luther Smith, who died in a Red Cross hospital somewhere in France on June 30th. The letters are from the Chaplain and a Red Cross nurse and tell of the bravery of this soldier boy. The letters follow: American Red Cross, July 1, 1918 Base Hospital, American E.F. Mrs. Victoria Smith, Hopewell, Alabama My dear Mrs. Smith, Of course you have heard long since that your dear boy Thomas Luther has passed into the hands of the loving father who has a place prepared for those who lay down their lives for their friends. This afternoon some of his soldier comrades lowered into the grave the body that fought so vigorously for its life. Like every brave American soldier, he cared little for his own life while in the battle and he took part in the first real conflict in which the soldiers of our country have been engaged, the battle in which the germans found out that the american soldiers are fiercest fighters and most gallant warriors the allies have ever had. Your boy's regiment was outnumbered ten to one, yet they thrashed the germans to a standstill. He was a mighty soldier, and you have cause to be very proud of him. It is sad indeed to lose any of our american blood for any other good blood at the hands of the germans. But is there anyhting in which we could feel a greater pride than to give our most precious possession for the sake of so great a cause? Through the tears of grief that accompany these partings, let me send my congratulations that you are the mother of a real hero. And let us all bear in mind that the days of separation are brief after all, and we meet again in a beautiful life above, where partings are no more. Luther told me he had been baptized and as he was rather feeble from the weakness caused by the poison gas that had both burned him and gotten into his lungs, I asked him if he would like to dictate a letter to his mother, telling him that I would be glad to write to her for him. But he pluckily replied, " No, I can do that for myself", proving that he never gave up to the very last. He had no wounds upon is body, it was the poison gas, the german style of warfare, that caused his death. Like many others, he was not afraid of it, or anything else. He was buried with military honors in the district for Americans in the French cemetery at Clearmont-Ferrand, about two hundred miles south of Paris, a few miles from where this Hospital Base 30 is located, in which he was given most careful attention and loving care for two weeks, everything possible being done for him that is known. With deepest sympathy and best regards, Leslie C. Kelley, A.R.C. The Red Cross nurse, writing to Mrs. Smith under the date of July 2nd, says: My dear Mrs. Smith, Your Son, Thomas L., who was ill in our hospital, passed away June 30, 1918. He was "gassed" and after putting up a brave fight he entered into the Great Beyond. His last words were " give my love to mother, I want to go home to her." Everything possible was done for him, but human aid was powerless. You can appreciate that he was brave, and like many of his comrades, died for his country. May comfort come to you in knowing that our Chaplain was also with him during his last hours which were peaceful. Very truly, Mrs. J.E. Tesnan, Nurse, in France ____ A SPLENDID WOMAN CLAIMED BY DEATH; MRS. EMMA MCMAHAN Our town and community was greatly shocked and many hearts were made to feel sad Tuesday morning when it was learned that death had claimed one of our most beloved women, Mrs. Emma McMahan, devoted wife of Col. W.C. McMahan, whose death occurred at Sellers Hospital in Anniston at 8 o'clock Monday night a few hours after undergoing an operation. Mrs. McMahan was carried to the hospital Saturday, an operation being performed during Sunday. The seriousness of the operation and her great suffering baffled the best of medical science and gradually her life ebbed away. Mrs. McMahan was such a good neighbor and christian that she was held in high esteem by every one who knew her. Besides her husband, seven children, four boys and three girls survive: Mrs. Nora Wimpee, Miss Esdmond and Louise McMahan. The sons are Clark who is attached to the Army, John, Ellis and Comer, who have the profound sympathy of all our people in their great affliction. The deceased was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, having joined in young girlhood, living the life of a consistent christian to the day of her death. She lived in the sunshine of life, and dying as she had lived. Just before the end came she remarked to her husband, that "mother was in the room and I am going with her." Oh how sad these partings that come to all. Among god's flowers I see many, many dear to my heart, happy in the home god has prepared for those who love him. As I think on the beauties of heaven I ask myself, heart, what are you most thankful in the memory of the loved one mentioned? Quickly, I answer, "that she loved you, father mine, from the years of accountability, having not only confessed her love openly for her blessed jesus, but Emma had lived such a life as to draw her nearer our god to thee. Gentle father, let the curtain of sorrow be lifted from the home as much as possible. Let this dispensation of sorrow help to lead others to the son, by whose death we may enter this beautiful heaven. A friend. ____ LOCAL News Mrs. P.A. Howle and children returned to their home in Oklahoma after an extended visit here with Mr. and Mrs. L.D. Reid. __ We have learned of the safe arrival of Mr. L. Roy Galloway in France. Mr. Galloway is with the Engineering Corps. __ NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, August 22, 1918 LOCAL News Shep Owen and John Berry Cheatwood, who were put on trial this week charged with the killing of John Henry Brown near Edwardsville last May, were found guilty and given five years each. Motion for a new trial has been asked, pending which the accused were liberated under bond. ___ A wedding of much interest to a wide circle of friends in Georgia and Alabama, was that of Miss Addie Lu Griffin to Mr. Frank H. Reid last Sunday afternoon, Judge A.H. Glasgow performing the ceremony which made the young couple man and wife, and was witnessed by only a few, as they had decided to surprize their friends. The bride is the beautiful and talented daughter of Mrs. C.W. Griffin of this place and has many warm friends. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. L.D. Reid of Heflin and is a young man of sterling character and has many friends who congratulate him upon winning the heart and hand of this charming young girl. They will make their home in Heflin where the groom is connected with Black-Duke Drug Co. The News joins their many friends in extending best wishes. ____ MRS. MINNIE EVANS MEETS TRAGIC DEATH The people of Heflin were greatly shocked Tuesday morning with the sad news of the tragic death of Mrs. Minnie Evans, widow of the late Olan Evans. Mrs. Evans had lived in Heflin for many years, and all who were acquainated with her loved and admired her. She was a sister of Dr. Harris of Munford and for some time had been visiting him at that place, where she was taking treatment from her brother, as she had been in bad shape for quite a while. Although Mrs. Evans seemed to be better Monday and at the supper table Monday night appeared very happy and cheerful and ate a hearty supper. Tuesday morning at about three o'clock, as a freight train came speeding by the home of Dr. Harris, Mrs. Evans jumped from her bed, and without dressing, made a dash for the railroad track and threw herself in front of the engine which struck her in the back of the head, killing her instantly, dashing her to one side and breaking a limb. The body was brought to Heflin Tuesday afternoon and carreid to her home where it was viewed by many friends and relatives, and Wednesday at 9:30 funeral services were held at the M.E. Church, South and her body was laid to rest beside that of her husband in the Heflin cemetery, the services being conducted by Rev. C.L. Herring, her pastor. Peace to her dust and to heaven with her soul. _____ MRS. S.M. THROWER'S 75th BIRTHDAY On July 26th, six of Mrs. S.M. Thrower's children and thirty-seven grandchildren and a few friends met her at her home near Chulafinnee to celebrate her 75th summer. Mrs. Thrower is enjoying reasonable health for one of her age and lives now near where she was born and reared, and her friends are numbered by all those who know her. Mrs. Thrower was married to Mr. John T. Thrower during the Civil War. To this union were born twelve children, eleve of whom are now living. Mrs. Thrower has long been a member of the Missionary Baptist church and her devoted christian life before her children and all make them feel sure the delight of her life is in the savior who doeth all things well. At about 10 o'clock, all met at Mrs. Thrower's home and shortly after arriving dinner was spread in the magnificent shade of this happy old country home where it was enjoyed to the fullest extent by all present. After the dinner hour, all gathered around the home and enjoyed the great pleasure of being with mother and grandmother again and decorating her life with kind deeds and words of love. At 4 o'clock cake and ice cream were served, after which all left for their homes, feeling glad that they had shown mother and grandmother their respect, feeing sure that if they would live the life that she had lived that at the last would have a home in that "house not made with hands eternal in the heavens." By one present. _____ MR. AND MRS. H.F. GAINES CELEBRATE 50th ANNIVERSARY Mrs. J.W. Barnes and little daughter Margaret, left Sunday forming for an extended visit to her parents, Mrs. and Mrs. Henry F. Gaines, in Snyder, Oklahoma. Mr. and Mrs. Gaines will celebrate their fiftieth marriage anniversary, or Golden Wedding anniversary, on Friday, August 23rd in their Oklahoma home, where as many of the children as possible will meet and join in the happy occasion. There are eleven children in the family and among themselves fell on a sure plan to make the "old folks" happier by each one contributing ten dollars in gold as a token of love. Mrs. Barnes was selected by the other eleven children to act as "treasurer" and to present the gifts on the 23rd. The names and addresses of the children are as follows: Mrs. J.W. Barnes, Heflin Mrs. G.T Birdett, Dublin, Texas Mrs. B.C. Shoemaker, Crow, Texas Mr. Wister Gaines, Fredericksburg, Texas Mr. Festus Gaines, Walnut Grove, Alabama Chester Gaines, Snyder, Oklahoma Mr. Lester Gaines, Roosevelt, Oklahoma Mrs. H.M. Newkirk, Attalla, Alabama Miss Loren Gaines, Crow, Texas Miss Ruby Gaines, Fredericksburg, Texas Miss Maury Gaines, Snyder, Oklahoma _______ LOCAL News Mr. J.L. York left Saturday to visit relatives at Union Grove before returning to Jefferson County. ___ Mr. W.E. Edwards returned a few days ago from an extended trip to Louisiana and Texas. In Louisiana he was the guest of Mr. I.D. Hogan, an old Cleburnite, who is favorably known by all the older citizens. In Texas, Mr. Edwards visited his brother Mr. A.J. Edwards, who lives in Fisher County, a wheat growing section of the state, but Mr. Edwards reports the small grain crop a failure in that part of Texas on account of the unusually dry winter and spring. The crop prospect in Louisiana, Mr. Edwards says, is anything but promising. Mr. Edwards sends in a years subscription for his old home paper for which he will please accept our thanks. ___ MEMORIAL SINGING There will be a memorial singing at Bethsadia church the first Sunday in September in memory of Jesse Johnson and sister W.P. Smith. Everybody come and bring well filled baskets. The Sacred Harp will be used. J.T. Newborn ___ NEWSPAPER Issue of Thursday, August 29, 1918 Mrs. W.A. Burgess of Edwardsville has just received a letter from her son Chester, who is with the Rainbow Division in France. Chester tells of being wounded. Chester's letter, dated the 4th of August is as follows: Vichy, France, Aug 4, 1918 Dear Mama and all, I will try to write you a few lines with my left hand. I guess you have already got my letter the nurse wrote for me. I am wounded in the right hand but will be all right in a few more days. This town is the finest health resort in France and this is a fine hospital. All the doctors and nurses are as good to us as they can be. We have got plenty of books and things to read. Your son, Pvt. Chester Burgess, Base Hospital, No. 19, A.E.F. Another letter from Chester dated the 1st of August, written by a nurse: You have perhaps seen in the papers that I have been wounded. I was hit in the right arm on July the 8th at the front but I am not in the base hospital at Vichy. They tell me it is a nice town. I was glad to be one of the bunch to see the Boches' run before I had to leave. Some of the prisoners told us that the war would be over in August but I am not counting on it. You probably wondered why you did not hear from me, but there isn't much chance to write when you are at the front, and we don't get many letters. If they can get food and water up to us they are doing well when there is fighting going on. You can write me at the address below. Of course I do not know how long I am going to be here, but it will probably take some times for my wounds to heal, but they will forward my letters from there. Give my love to any who inquire, Your loving, Chester _____ LETTER FROM SPENCER HORTON FROM FRANCE Somewhere in France, July 28, 1918 Dear Daddy, Since I last wrote you I have been transferred from the Paris hospital to a beautiful hospital in southern France, large enough to accomodate several thousand patients. It wa the home of the Monks before the war. It is situated on the side of a high hill overlooking the river which gives a very beautiful view of Monclair village, and the beautiful fertile valley which looks like a garden. Also we have a very large park and a large number of Chatteauz. I'm gaining strength very fast, can now maneauver without the aid of crutches. I will soon be able to return to my company, and you may know I'm so anxious as things are more exciting near the front. Dad, I wish you could see the boys as they enter an attack; see their stern, sturdy faces. They are so solemn and sincere. You don't see any "kid faces" or kid matters no matter how young the lad may be, he's a man now, doing a man's duty. Just before the attack as they awit the zero hour, the appointed time to start, you will hear some humming "home again", "mother dear", "that little girl of mine" or " the yanks are coming", and some are murmuring a word of prayer. The alst few monents that await zero hour are always the longest and when the moment arrives, the Artillery is the first to open and every gun fires at the same time, which sounds as it was one great gun. Then over we go, some singing, some hollering. You should see the prisoners. They come in droves, some seem to be glad while others seem to think the whole world has come to an end. Fighting here is quite different from that on the Western Front. We don't have the muddy trenches here or the big rats. They is always something to take the boy out of life. You remember I told you that I thought old Pied Piper had played all the rats of France to the Western Front. Well I have been forced to believe that he played all the "cooties" of Europe to the present sector. You have read of Chateau Thiery in your school books have you not? DId you ever see one? Well, you have missed something. They are small but sure make you stand up and take notice. Let me tell you of my surprize although a delightful one. Yesterday in the mess hall I met James Cook from Coke. The first Wood county boy I have seen in France. You better know I was glad. I just hugged his neck good, while the crowd looked on. I guess they thought I had turned French but it was the joy of my life. He also had a slight wound and will soon be restored to duty. Being in the hospital among the american nurses makes a fellow feel as tho he was at home, and they are so good and kind to us. They do everything for our comfort. Of course I think I have the best and most beautiful in my ward, Misses Potter and Myer. They are here now and send their regards. They all work so hard, believe me, we have to take our hats off to them, for they are not only doing their bit but their best and after the war is over I mean to see that there is a monument erected as high as the Statute of Liberty to honor them. With love to all and best regards, your son, Spencer R. Horton, 8th Co. 5th Reg., Marine, A.E.F. (note from editor of The News: The above letter was written by a son of Mr. A.J. Horton, who moved from near Muscadine, Alabama to Texas several years ago, and a grandson of Mr. Art Horton who will be remembered by the older set. Also he is a near relative of Mr. Arthur Harper of this place. ) _____ MORE MEN FOR MILITARY DUTY The following men will leave on the train for Camp Hancock, Augusta, Georgia on Friday August 30th for military duty: Cecil Horton Rogers Howle Marvin Avery Bannister Asa Edwards goes to Camp Shelby, Hattiesburg, Mississippi on the 30th The following colored men leave Heflin on Sunday, September 1st for Camp McClellan, Anniston for military duty: Berry Matthews Sim Burl Jason Banks Raymond D. Dothard Jennings W. Armstrong Ed Rutledge Will Dunson ____ LOCAL News Harwell Herring of Dora, Alabama is here visiting his parents, Rev. and Mrs. C.L. Herring. __ Mr. and Mrs. A.L. Crumpton returned to their home in Ashland on Saturday after a week's stay here with Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Crumpton. __ Mr. R.C. Harris and Mrs. J.W. Edmonson, both of Hopewell, were married Sunday, Rev. Asa Willingham officiating. __ Mr. Henry Smith, one of the county's best and honored citizens, died at his home near Hopewell on Sunday. The funeral service was conducted by Rev. Asa Willingham and W.M. Barr, the interment being Harmony church near Abernathy. __ Mr. and Mrs. M.D. Robison of Heflin have received a letter from their daughter Miss Lola telling of her safe arrival overseas. Miss Robison is with the Red Cross. ___ Mr. Ike Hubbard and family of Albertville are visiting Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Bean. __ Mr. E.J. Parris of route 2 called in Wednesday and had the paper sent to his son William who is in France. __ NINETEEN BOYS REGISTERED FOR DRAFT ON THE 24th Of the boys in Cleburne county who have attained the age of 21 years since June 5th, last, and are subject to military duty, nineteen appeared before the local draft board here Saturday. Their names are as follows: Ollie Bradley Thomas A. Burgess Samuel O. Ballenger Elbert E. Green Orlan Harlan William Harris Arnold Jones George Kilgore Newton M. Kitchens Earl Lindsey Herbert H. Pirkle John Parker Toliver Thrower Walter B. Smith WIlburn C. Townson Charlie C. Vines Thomas C. Vise Benjamin Joseph West Leonard T. Willingham _____ CARD OF THANKS We wish to thank our many friends for their many kindnesses shown us and floral offerings given in the sad death of our daughter and sister. Mr. and Mrs. Joe Evans and children, Dr. and Mrs. D.B. Harris, Mr. and Mrs. Willis Wright ____ File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/cleburne/newspapers/newspape431gnw.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/alfiles/ File size: 22.0 Kb